Immigration Consultant Fee Guide — What You Should Pay in Canada (2026)
CICC sets guidelines on how much RCICs can charge for different services. No fixed maximum, but RCICs must justify fees as 'fair and reasonable.' Hidden fees or charges tied to visa approval are red flags.
What Does an RCIC Charge?
CICC does not set fixed fees. Instead, RCICs must justify their fees as "fair and reasonable" based on:
- The complexity of your case
- The time and expertise required
- The services provided
- The market rate in your region
This means fees vary, but you have the right to question them and compare.
Typical Fee Ranges by Service Type (2026)
| Service | Typical Range |
| Express Entry profile review | $500–$1,500 |
| Full Express Entry application | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Work permit application | $400–$1,500 |
| Spousal sponsorship | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Provincial nominee program (PNP) | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Student visa | $400–$1,200 |
How to Request a Fee Quote
- Get it in writing. Before you hire an RCIC, they must provide a written fee quote.
- Ask what's included. Does the quote cover all services or just the application? Are follow-up questions included?
- Ask about add-ons. Are there extra fees for document review, appeals, or communication?
- Ask about payment schedule. When is payment due? Can you pay in installments?
- Get a refund policy. If you stop working with the RCIC, what happens to your payment?
Red Flags in Fee Structures
- Fee tied to visa approval: "Pay only if you get approved." Illegal.
- Hidden fees: Quote says "$1,500" but they later charge for document review, appeals, or revisions. Get everything in writing.
- Fees based on salary: "Your fee is 10% of your first-year salary." Uncommon and potentially inappropriate.
- No written quote: If they won't write down the fee, don't hire them.
- Fees paid upfront in full: Legitimate RCICs require partial upfront payment and the rest upon completion — not 100% before they start.
What RCICs Cannot Charge For
- Government fees (IRCC application fees, biometric fees, etc.)
- Services they don't provide
- Time spent on tasks outside your agreement
- Fees for "guaranteeing" a visa (no one can guarantee approval)
Comparing RCICs
Don't hire the cheapest RCIC you find. Instead:
- Get written fee quotes from 2–3 RCICs.
- Compare not just the fee but what's included in each quote.
- Verify their CICC licence and check the Discipline Register.
- Read reviews or ask for references.
- Ask about their experience with your specific visa type.
A more expensive RCIC with a strong track record may be worth it — especially for complex cases like Express Entry or spousal sponsorship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I pay an RCIC in Canada?
Fees vary by service (Express Entry $800–$2,000; spousal sponsorship $1,500–$3,000; work permits $400–$1,500). Ask for a written fee quote before hiring. There is no maximum set fee — only that fees must be 'fair and reasonable.'
What fees are illegal?
RCICs cannot charge fees based on visa approval ('No approval, no fee'); cannot charge for things they don't do; cannot hide fees in other charges. This is professional misconduct.
Should I pay 'upfront' or 'on approval'?
Legitimate RCICs require partial upfront payment and the remainder upon completion of services — not conditional on visa approval. Never pay 100% upfront to an unknown consultant.
What should my fee quote include?
Service description, total cost, payment schedule, what's included/excluded, refund policy, and the RCIC's licence number. Get it in writing.